More Floods to Come

Red is high-risk for flooding.

The flooding that has affected Ohio and other Heartland states in recent weeks is merely “a sign of things to come,” according to the National Weather Service. The Service cited record rainfall and melting snow packs as major contributing factors.

Congresswoman Kaptur has long advocated a regional solution to the water management issues affecting the Maumee River basin in northwest Ohio. She has met with local officials to discuss water management strategies and conveyed the concerns of Northern Ohio communities to federal leaders such as Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff.

More than 250 communities in a dozen states have experienced flood conditions in recent weeks.

“We expect rains and melting snow to bring more flooding this spring,” said Vickie Nadolski, deputy director of the National Weather Service. According to the Service, the science supporting short-term forecasts allows for a high level of certainty.

“Americans should be on high alert to flood conditions,” Nadolski said. “Arm yourselves with information about how to stay safe during a flood and do not attempt to drive on flooded roadways—remember to always turn around, don’t drown.